Patriots' defense stood out against Panthers

Saturday

Aug 23, 2014 at 4:38 PMAug 23, 2014 at 4:43 PM

By Rich Garven TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

FOXBORO — The majority of the players who will be starting or playing key reserve roles on defense for the Patriots when they open the season two weeks from today at Miami conducted an extended trial run Friday night at Gillette Stadium.

They passed the test with ease, displaying an aggressive and, most importantly, effective approach in a 30-7 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers, a formidable foe that went 12-4 and won the NFC South last season.

"We got an opportunity to go out in our third preseason game and execute and we went out and did a good job," defensive end/outside linebacker Chandler Jones said.

The Patriots were missing starting linebackers Jerod Mayo (injury) and Dont'a Hightower (unknown) and reserve defensive tackles Chris Jones and Sealver Siliga, who are nicked up and being held out for precautionary reasons.

In addition, cornerback Brandon Browner saw limited reps as the coaching staff likely thought it better to distribute that playing time to others — like Alfonzo Dennard, who made his preseason debut — knowing he'll serve a four-game suspension to start the season. And Patrick Chung got a good look at safety as the Patriots continue to whether he should be on or off the roster bubble.

But there were seven legitimate starters on the field and they impressed. The Panthers, who boost one of the league's strongest ground games, averaged just 2.9 yards a carry with a long run of 8 yards and quarterback Cam Newton was sacked three times in a span of nine plays to open the game.

"That's what the defense is supposed to do — stop the run and have good coverage and get pressure on the quarterback," said Rob Ninkovich, who lined up with Jones at outside linebacker as the Patriots continued to make the transition back to a 3-4 defense.

When it comes to pressuring and sacking the quarterback, coach Bill Belichick will often point out what happens in the secondary has as much to do with what's going on in the pocket. Or what takes place on one side is a result of what transpired on the other.

Both of those scenarios occurred Friday.

Ninkovich posted a sack, his second in as many games, on the Panthers' first play from scrimmage. Newton had plenty of time, but didn't have an open receiver and was ultimately brought down as the Patriots rushed four players.

"That was definitely a coverage sack," said Ninkovich, crediting the Darrelle Revis-led secondary. "I was just trying to mirror the quarterback and make sure he didn't get out of the pocket. I was just collapsing and collapsing and I was able to get to him. That goes all to the secondary."

Jones got the first of his two sacks five plays later, ending the drive. His second takedown of Newton occurred on the Panthers' next possession and also came on third down, leading to a punt.

They were a result of two players on opposite sides working together.

"I was able to get up and have some good pressure on (Newton) and he stepped up and Chandler was right there to suck it up," Ninkovich said. "Great job by him coming inside and having inside pressure."

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Newton is still recovering from offseason ankle surgery and was playing in his second game in six days, but he's still a formidable runner as he showed on a couple of scrambles in the second quarter that netted 6 and 7 yards.

So it wasn't as simple as just attempting to barrel into the backfield as quickly as possible. It rarely ever is.

Ninkovich pointed out pass rushers have to understand what type of protection the offensive linemen are in and what way the blockers are sliding. They also have to be cognizant of whether the quarterback has some mobility or is typically stationary.

"It's not just run up the field and get a sack," he said. "You have to have an understanding of where the offensive linemen are; where their (running) back is. Is there a tight end staying in? It all works together.

"So it's working with Chandler, working with the D-line. Having an understanding of that knowing we have to have good rush lanes, good rush integrity — especially when you're going against a guy like Cam who can get out of the pocket and extend plays and run for first downs."